Dive Site: Outer Wall

Dive site facts: Outer Wall

Depth

8–40 m

Current

Minimal

Visibility

15–30 m

Water temperature

19–28°C

Entry

Boat

Level

All levels, AOWD recommended for deeper sections

Dive type

Wall, reef, pelagic

Region / port

Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur

Coordinates

22.867846, -109.980055

Conditions & Currents

Current conditions vary significantly depending on the specific outer wall location and can range from mild to strong. Many wall dives are characterized by drift diving, where consistent currents carry divers along the reef. In areas like Cozumel, these currents can be substantial, often running at 2 to 3 knots, and can also produce unpredictable down-currents along the wall face. These conditions necessitate proficiency in drift diving techniques and strong current experience for advanced sites. Entry is typically a negative descent from a live boat, with divers picked up downstream at the end of the dive. Visibility is generally excellent, often exceeding 30 meters, but could be affected by seasonal plankton blooms or stormy weather. Thermoclines are possible in deeper or open-ocean environments, especially on the Pacific side, and can influence comfort and gas planning. Divers should be prepared for varying conditions and possess the appropriate certification level.

Marine life & sighting chances

California Sea Lion

Year-round, most active in late summer · common

Mobula Ray

May–July, October–December · common

Whale Shark

October–December, January–March, April–May · occasional

White Tip Shark

Year-round · occasional

Hammerhead Shark

January–March, April–May · occasional

Sea Turtle

Year-round · common

Snapper

Year-round · common

Butterfly Fish

Year-round · common

Moray Eel

Year-round · common

Lobster

Year-round · common

Octopus

Year-round · occasional

Moorish Idol

Year-round · common

Guitarfish

Year-round · occasional

Seahorse

Year-round · occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at the Outer Wall typically begin with a boat drop directly onto the reef top, often around 8 to 12 meters. From there, divers descend along the outer wall, following the contours of the coral formations and rocky crevices. The dive progresses along the wall, exploring depths down to 25-40 meters, depending on the diver's certification and the guide's plan for the day. The route emphasizes careful buoyancy control to navigate the intricate wall structure without disturbing marine life. Turnaround points are determined by air consumption and bottom time, with the ascent usually retracing the wall or ascending along a suitable reef slope. Safety stops are conducted in the shallower sections of the reef, often around 5 meters, allowing for extended observation of the abundant reef fish while decompressing safely.

Underwater photography

The Outer Wall offers diverse photographic opportunities, from wide-angle pelagic encounters to macro life within the wall's crevices. For capturing the expansive wall and schooling fish, a wide-angle lens with external strobes is highly recommended to bring out vibrant colors in the deep blue. When focusing on macro subjects like nudibranchs, seahorses, or small crustaceans tucked into the rocky features, a macro lens with a snoot or focused lighting will highlight intricate details. Maintain excellent buoyancy to avoid stirring up sediment or damaging delicate corals, especially when getting close to subjects. Be respectful of sea lions and other large marine animals, keeping a safe distance and never chasing or cornering them.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Middle Wall

  Another wall dive within the Cabo San Lucas Marine Park

• North Wall

  A sister site to the Outer Wall in the same marine park

• Neptune's Finger

  Known for its unique sandfall feature

• Pelican Rock

  A rocky pinnacle with exceptionally calm waters, good for various skill levels

Getting there & logistics

Diving at the Outer Wall is exclusively via day boat trips departing from Cabo San Lucas. Several PADI 5 Star IDC Dive Centers operate in Cabo, offering daily excursions to the marine park. Trip lengths typically involve 2-tank dives, lasting a half-day. Cabo San Lucas is easily accessible through Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), which serves numerous domestic and international flights. It is common for Outer Wall dives to be combined with other sites within the Cabo San Lucas Marine Park, such as Neptune's Finger or Pelican Rock, as part of a single boat trip. While specific permit fees for this site are usually included in dive packages, divers should be prepared for standard marine park environmental fees common in Mexican protected areas.

Safety & environment

For diving the Outer Wall, recompression chambers are available in Cabo San Lucas, ensuring prompt medical attention for dive-related emergencies. Divers should always carry personal dive insurance covering hyperbaric treatment and evacuation. Site-specific hazards are generally minimal, given the typically calm conditions and mild currents, but thermoclines can cause sudden temperature drops, requiring appropriate thermal protection. Divers should strictly adhere to depth and time limits, maintain excellent buoyancy control to protect the marine environment, and follow the instructions of their dive guide. All diving should be conducted with a certified local operator, ensuring safety protocols and knowledge of current conditions are in place for each dive. Always dive within your training and experience limits.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Outer Wall FAQ

Liveaboards diving Outer Wall

These liveaboards may visit Outer Wall on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Nautilus Explorer

Mexico

25 guests45 m

Valentina

Mexico

20 guests38 m

Rocio del Mar

Mexico

20 guests34 m

Nautilus Under Sea

Mexico

19 guests32 m

Nautilus Belle Amie

Mexico

32 guests45 m

Quino del Mar

Mexico

20 guests36 m

Nautilus Gallant Lady

Mexico

12 guests35 m